Last Minute Trips - thing of the past?

[fractal]

I had an opportunity last week to go down to WDW for a few days. My sister was staying in a 2 bedroom suite at Saratoga Springs and invited me and my daughter down if we could swing it.

After looking at the new FP+ and realizing my chances for getting FPs for my favorite rides would be nearly impossible on such a short notice we decided to scrap it ( that wasn't the only reason but I big factor ). Unless I'm missing something, I would say that any future trips have to be planned well in advance while spontaneous visits would be much less appealing.

I was also wondering how AP holders are dealing with FP+. I've always thought it would be cool to just get up one day and head to the World but the chance came and I passed on it.

 

[Rob562]

I'm curious whether you were basing your FP+ decision on actual FP+ availability or presumed FP+ availability?

I know this week isn't exactly the same as last week, but I just went onto MDE and for tomorrow (August 27) it showed every attraction as having availability in FP+ except the usual ones that run out (parades, fireworks, Seven Dwarfs and Anna & Elsa).

-Rob

 

[Chernaboggles]

Except for the super crowded times, I'd have no problem doing a last minute WDW trip - except for the airfare. It used to be a lot easier to get cheap airfare and just GO, but those days are mostly gone now.

 

[Master Yoda]

I have been to the parks a handful of times since FP+ became a thing. Every trip was either spur of the moment or using CM tickets (no advanced FP+) and I have yet to have a problem getting what I wanted with a day of FP+ booking at a kiosk. Sure, my available times choices were limited, but I still have been able to get everything I wanted.

 

[disney4life2008]

If I had the time for a last minute trip I would not pass it up regardless of FP+. While FP+ has caused some changes in the parks - they are all still doable with planning.

 

[fractal]

I'm curious whether you were basing your FP+ decision on actual FP+ availability or presumed FP+ availability?

I know this week isn't exactly the same as last week, but I just went onto MDE and for tomorrow (August 27) it showed every attraction as having availability in FP+ except the usual ones that run out (parades, fireworks, Seven Dwarfs and Anna & Elsa).

-Rob

It was more perception than actually availability. I tried to figure out FP+ to see what was open but could not figure it out. I'm glad to hear all these responses.

 

[Susan Savia]

I'd go on a spur of the moment trip. FPs or not. We are AP holders and don't care to schedule every second of our vacation and therefore, do not use them and have not had any problems doing all we want to do when we go.

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

I wouldn't pass up a last minute trip to WDW. So if I don't get my first choice of FP+ this will give me a chance to ride something I've missed before plud there are a lot of other things to do at WDW than rides. My theory is a bad day at WDW (really how bad can it be?) still better than a good day at work.

 

[bee]

When my GF and I lived in Florida we went on several last-minute trips. During our last year in the state we had the Florida Resident Epcot After 4pm Pass and we went on about six (?) planned 2-3 day trips and two last-minute 2-3 day trips. The time between FP+ completely replacing paper FP and the extension of advance FP+ to Passholders was pretty annoying. If we stayed off-site we couldn't select FP+ in advance, then by the time we were allowed in the park at 4:00 there were no good FP+ selections left, whereas when the paper FP option was still there we could usually at least get Maelstrom when we arrived. All that is to say, I would never pass up a last-minute trip to WDW, even if I couldn't get a single FP+ because I just love it so dern much!

 

[DManRightHere]

I had an opportunity last week to go down to WDW for a few days. My sister was staying in a 2 bedroom suite at Saratoga Springs and invited me and my daughter down if we could swing it.

After looking at the new FP+ and realizing my chances for getting FPs for my favorite rides would be nearly impossible on such a short notice we decided to scrap it ( that wasn't the only reason but I big factor ). Unless I'm missing something, I would say that any future trips have to be planned well in advance while spontaneous visits would be much less appealing.

I was also wondering how AP holders are dealing with FP+. I've always thought it would be cool to just get up one day and head to the World but the chance came and I passed on it.

FP were pleniful for changes when we went at end of may. I thought this thread was more about getting discount rooms lol

 

[MickeyMomV]

Does anybody know if they are still releasing FP+ selections in waves for the "last minute trips"?

When we went last (10/2013) they were still in the roll out phase. At that time they were releasing some spots so FP+ could be done 30 days out. But then they were also releasing spots at like 14 days out, 7 days out, 2 days out, and day of. That way, no matter when you went onto MDE, you had a chance of getting the ride you wanted in the time slot that fit your plans. Does anybody know now that everybody is using FP+ and MDE have they changed this?

 

[wannabeBelle]

Discount offers have been geared to preplanning, FP+ would not have been a factor for me. Now getting a room at a good rate, that would be a priority for me. Sorry you couldn't go, hopefully next time will be the charm!! Marie

 

[Poofiesdream]

We go last minute a lot. We live about 3 hours south. Never had a big problem, something always opens up last minute.

 

[bee]

Does anybody know if they are still releasing FP+ selections in waves for the "last minute trips"?

I'm not sure if they are exactly doing this because I don't know the specifics, but on our last two trips (both May 2014) we were able to make new selections and/or change our selections the night before and in some cases the day of. This could mean that Disney released them last minute or people changed/canceled their own reservations.

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

I think unless you want A&E and 7DMT you can get FP for almost every other ride.

I actually just looked. The only thing for tomorrow I can't get a FP for was A&E, wishes and illuminations.

 

[LAKid53]

Except when the FP+ system is down, which it is right now, has been for several hours and Disney doesn't know when it will be fixed. Spoke with a tech support CM and even he couldn't make any selections from his end, so he said it was down for everyone, including CMs in the park with their tablets or at the kiosks. I made a crack that I bet a couple of people in Glendale can make selections - it went right over his head.

So much for making selections now that my window has opened up.....